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The
increasing ethnic diversity of British society means it is
difficult to define what makes someone British. |
British
achievements.
James Watt
1736 - 1819
Scottish Engineer
James Watt was born in Greenock, Scotland. He moved to Glasgow in 1754 to
learn the trade of instrument maker. While he was employed on surveys for
canals, he was also studying steam technology.
In 1763, while repairing a Newcomen engine, he found he could greatly improve
the machine. His invention of the 'separate condenser' and the introduction
of crank movements could make steam engines more efficient. After other
improvements, he went into partnership with Matthew Boulton, and the new
steam engine was manufactured at Birmingham in 1774. Several other |
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inventions followed,
including the double-acting engine, the centrifugal governor for automatic speed
control, and the pressure gauge.
With this invention he provided one of the most essential components of early
industrial revolution. The term horse-power was first used by him, and the power
unit, the watt, is named in his honor.
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